Public, Community & School Transport

MiDAS for Car and MPV drivers

What is MiDAS Car & MPV?

MiDAS Car & MPV is a further extension of the nationally recognised Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS). It is a membership based scheme designed to enhance driving standards in small passenger carrying vehicles and cars. It is also intended to assist the operators of smaller vehicles in meeting their health and safety obligations.

Who is it aimed at?

MiDAS Car & MPV is applicable to any organisation operating or using vehicles with less than nine passenger seats. This includes vehicles adapted for passengers travelling in their wheelchairs.

How does it work?

The scheme works in a similar way to MiDAS. A number of Training Agents will provide training for ‘Driver Observers’ who have been nominated by their organisation.

A Driver Observer will deliver classroom based training to drivers, on driving skills and passenger safety issues. Following the training, the Driver Observer conducts an ‘observed drive’ where drivers get the opportunity to put the skills they have learnt into practice.

What do drivers get out of the training?

Drivers who successfully complete the training course and the observed drive, will receive a nationally recognised certificate valid for four years. They also have the option of purchasing the Car & MPV Handbook.

What’s involved in becoming a Driver Observer?

Anyone interested in becoming a Driver Observer must undertake a thorough driving assessment conducted by a Training Agent. On successful completion of their assessment, potential Driver Observers must attend a three day course for standard vehicles and a further day for wheelchair accessible vehicles. During this course, participants are required to pass a theory assessment, a presentation skills assessment and for those who will be training drivers of wheelchair accessible vehicles, an assessment of practical skills.

How similar is it to MiDAS for minibus drivers?

The structure and content are quite similar. The training is divided into modules. All drivers complete Module A, which is the foundation module. Drivers of wheelchair accessible vehicles then complete Module B which provides practical training in using the specialist equipment in the vehicle, such as the wheelchair tie-downs. There are a further two modules which drivers may complete, depending on the needs of the passengers they transport – Module C1: Supervising children and young people with special needs; and Module C2: Working with adults who need care and supervision.

Is it relevant to schemes using volunteer car drivers?

Yes. Where volunteers are using their own cars the observed drive will be optional but it is strongly recommended by MiDAS.